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Carter Shelley

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Children's sermon

The Immediate Word

The Comfort Zone -- Mark 1:1-8, 2 Peter 3:8-15a, Isaiah 40:1-11, Psalm 85:1-2, 8-13 -- Carter Shelley, Stephen P. McCutchan, George L. Murphy, Chris Ewing, Carlos Wilton, George Reed -- Second Sunday of Advent - B -- 2005
(Originally published December 4, 2005)
Marketing The Messiah -- John 1:6-8, 19-28, 1 Thessalonians 5:16-24, Isaiah 61:1-4, 8-11, Psalm 126 -- Chris Ewing, Stephen P. McCutchan, Carlos Wilton, George L. Murphy, Carter Shelley -- Third Sunday of Advent - B -- 2005
(Originally published December 11, 2005)
Stealing Christmas? -- Luke 1:26-38 -- Carlos Wilton, George Reed, Carter Shelley -- Fourth Sunday of Advent - B -- 2005
(Originally published December 18, 2005)
You Are What You Say: The Word Incarnate And Human Words -- Ephesians 3:1-12, John 1:1-18 -- Carter Shelley, George L. Murphy, Stan Purdum, Carlos Wilton, Larry Hard -- Epiphany of the Lord - B -- 2003
(Originally published for January 5, 2003)
The Two Towers And The Prince Of Peace And Light -- Luke 2:22-40, Galatians 4:4-7, Isaiah 61:10--62:3 -- George L. Murphy, Carlos Wilton, Carter Shelley, Charles Cammarata -- First Sunday after Christmas Day - B -- 2002
(Originally published for December 29, 2002)
Can We 'let Heaven And Nature Sing'? -- Luke 2:22-40, Galatians 4:4-7, Isaiah 61:10--62:3 -- George L. Murphy, Carter Shelley, Terry Cain -- First Sunday after Christmas Day - B -- 2002
(Originally published for January 1, 2006)
Anticipation Or The Best Christmas Present Ever -- Isaiah 61:1-4, 8-11, 1 Thessalonians 5:16-24, John 1:6-8, 19-28, Psalm 126 -- Carter Shelley -- Third Sunday of Advent - B
Dear Fellow Pastors,
Divine And Human Partiality: A Christian Dilemma -- Mark 7:24-37, Proverbs 22:1-2, 8-9, 22-23 -- Carter Shelley -- Proper 18 | Ordinary Time 23 - B
Dear Fellow Preacher,
The Hiddenness Of God And God's Human Witnesses -- Esther 7:1-6, 9-10; 9:20-22, Mark 9:38-50 -- Carter Shelley -- Proper 21 | Ordinary Time 26 - B
Dear Fellow Preacher,
Why Is It Called The "world" Series? -- Job 42:1-6, 10-17, Mark 10:46-52, Psalm 126 -- Carter Shelley -- Proper 25 | Ordinary Time 30 - B
Dear Fellow Preacher:
Is It Good To Be King? -- 2 Samuel 23:1-7, John 18:33-37 -- Carter Shelley -- Thanksgiving Day - B
Dear Fellow Preacher,
Is It Good To Be King? -- 2 Samuel 23:1-7, John 18:33-37 -- Carter Shelley -- Christ The King (Proper 29) - B
Dear Fellow Preacher,
Prepare Or Beware! -- Luke 3:7-18 -- Carter Shelley -- Third Sunday of Advent - C
Dear Fellow Preacher,
Interconnected And Interdependent For Good Or Ill -- Luke 4:14-21, 1 Corinthians 12:12-31a, Nehemiah 8:1-3, 5-6, 8-10, Psalm 19 -- Carter Shelley -- Epiphany 3 | Ordinary Time 3 - C
Dear Fellow Preacher,
The Transfiguration Of Jesus: A Prelude To The Passion -- Luke 9:28-30 (37-43) -- Carter Shelley -- Transfiguration Sunday - C
Watching Mel Gibson being interviewed by Diane Sawyer on ABC TV on February 16, you could not help b
What New Thing Is God Doing Now? -- John 12:1-8, Philippians 3:4b-14, Isaiah 43:16-21, Psalm 126 -- Carter Shelley -- Fifth Sunday in Lent - C
Some folks are excited and energized by learning something new or witnessing a creative development
Maternal Love: Human And Divine -- John 13:31-35, Revelation 21:1-6, Acts 11:1-18 -- Carter Shelley -- Fifth Sunday of Easter - C
We pause in the midst of ongoing war and war crimes to think this Sunday of maternal love.
The Mother -- Luke 1:39-45 (46-55) -- Carter Shelley -- Fourth Sunday of Advent - C
Dear Fellow Pastor,
One Nation Under God? Democracy And Faith In 2004 -- 2 Kings 5:1-14 -- Carter Shelley -- Proper 9 | Ordinary Time 14 - C
With the 4th of July taking place on a Sunday this year, it would be hard for any minister to conduc
Hosea: The Movie! -- Hosea 1:2-10 -- Carter Shelley -- Proper 12 | Ordinary Time 17 - C
Introduction and Background
Womb + Potential Medical Miracle + 2004 = Christian Debate Over Preservation Of Life And Stem-Cell Research -- Jeremiah 1:4-10, Luke 13:10-17, Psalm 71:1-6 -- Carter Shelley -- Proper 16 | Ordinary Time 21 - C
Dear Fellow Preachers,
What If God Prayed For Us/u.s.? -- Amos 8:4-7, 1 Timothy 2:1-7 -- Carter Shelley -- Proper 20 | Ordinary Time 25 - C
Dear Fellow Preachers,
God's Investment Advice -- 1 Timothy 6:6-19 -- Carter Shelley -- Proper 21 | Ordinary Time 26 - C
Dear Fellow Preachers,
Of What Can We Be Certain? -- Habakkuk 1:1-4; 2:1-4 -- Carter Shelley -- Proper 26 | Ordinary Time 31 - C
Dear Fellow Preachers,
Is Peace Possible? -- Isaiah 2:2-5, Romans 13:11-14, Matthew 24:36-44, Psalm 122 -- Carter Shelley -- First Sunday of Advent - A
November 28, 2004Advent 1 / Cycle A Dear Fellow Preachers,

Illustration

The Immediate Word

The Comfort Zone -- Mark 1:1-8, 2 Peter 3:8-15a, Isaiah 40:1-11, Psalm 85:1-2, 8-13 -- Carter Shelley, Stephen P. McCutchan, George L. Murphy, Chris Ewing, Carlos Wilton, George Reed -- Second Sunday of Advent - B -- 2005
(Originally published December 4, 2005)
Marketing The Messiah -- John 1:6-8, 19-28, 1 Thessalonians 5:16-24, Isaiah 61:1-4, 8-11, Psalm 126 -- Chris Ewing, Stephen P. McCutchan, Carlos Wilton, George L. Murphy, Carter Shelley -- Third Sunday of Advent - B -- 2005
(Originally published December 11, 2005)
Stealing Christmas? -- Luke 1:26-38 -- Carlos Wilton, George Reed, Carter Shelley -- Fourth Sunday of Advent - B -- 2005
(Originally published December 18, 2005)
You Are What You Say: The Word Incarnate And Human Words -- Ephesians 3:1-12, John 1:1-18 -- Carter Shelley, George L. Murphy, Stan Purdum, Carlos Wilton, Larry Hard -- Epiphany of the Lord - B -- 2003
(Originally published for January 5, 2003)
The Two Towers And The Prince Of Peace And Light -- Luke 2:22-40, Galatians 4:4-7, Isaiah 61:10--62:3 -- George L. Murphy, Carlos Wilton, Carter Shelley, Charles Cammarata -- First Sunday after Christmas Day - B -- 2002
(Originally published for December 29, 2002)
Can We 'let Heaven And Nature Sing'? -- Luke 2:22-40, Galatians 4:4-7, Isaiah 61:10--62:3 -- George L. Murphy, Carter Shelley, Terry Cain -- First Sunday after Christmas Day - B -- 2002
(Originally published for January 1, 2006)
Anticipation Or The Best Christmas Present Ever -- Isaiah 61:1-4, 8-11, 1 Thessalonians 5:16-24, John 1:6-8, 19-28, Psalm 126 -- Carter Shelley -- Third Sunday of Advent - B
Dear Fellow Pastors,
Divine And Human Partiality: A Christian Dilemma -- Mark 7:24-37, Proverbs 22:1-2, 8-9, 22-23 -- Carter Shelley -- Proper 18 | Ordinary Time 23 - B
Dear Fellow Preacher,
The Hiddenness Of God And God's Human Witnesses -- Esther 7:1-6, 9-10; 9:20-22, Mark 9:38-50 -- Carter Shelley -- Proper 21 | Ordinary Time 26 - B
Dear Fellow Preacher,
Why Is It Called The "world" Series? -- Job 42:1-6, 10-17, Mark 10:46-52, Psalm 126 -- Carter Shelley -- Proper 25 | Ordinary Time 30 - B
Dear Fellow Preacher:
Is It Good To Be King? -- 2 Samuel 23:1-7, John 18:33-37 -- Carter Shelley -- Thanksgiving Day - B
Dear Fellow Preacher,
Is It Good To Be King? -- 2 Samuel 23:1-7, John 18:33-37 -- Carter Shelley -- Christ The King (Proper 29) - B
Dear Fellow Preacher,
Prepare Or Beware! -- Luke 3:7-18 -- Carter Shelley -- Third Sunday of Advent - C
Dear Fellow Preacher,
Interconnected And Interdependent For Good Or Ill -- Luke 4:14-21, 1 Corinthians 12:12-31a, Nehemiah 8:1-3, 5-6, 8-10, Psalm 19 -- Carter Shelley -- Epiphany 3 | Ordinary Time 3 - C
Dear Fellow Preacher,
The Transfiguration Of Jesus: A Prelude To The Passion -- Luke 9:28-30 (37-43) -- Carter Shelley -- Transfiguration Sunday - C
Watching Mel Gibson being interviewed by Diane Sawyer on ABC TV on February 16, you could not help b
What New Thing Is God Doing Now? -- John 12:1-8, Philippians 3:4b-14, Isaiah 43:16-21, Psalm 126 -- Carter Shelley -- Fifth Sunday in Lent - C
Some folks are excited and energized by learning something new or witnessing a creative development
Maternal Love: Human And Divine -- John 13:31-35, Revelation 21:1-6, Acts 11:1-18 -- Carter Shelley -- Fifth Sunday of Easter - C
We pause in the midst of ongoing war and war crimes to think this Sunday of maternal love.
The Mother -- Luke 1:39-45 (46-55) -- Carter Shelley -- Fourth Sunday of Advent - C
Dear Fellow Pastor,
One Nation Under God? Democracy And Faith In 2004 -- 2 Kings 5:1-14 -- Carter Shelley -- Proper 9 | Ordinary Time 14 - C
With the 4th of July taking place on a Sunday this year, it would be hard for any minister to conduc
Hosea: The Movie! -- Hosea 1:2-10 -- Carter Shelley -- Proper 12 | Ordinary Time 17 - C
Introduction and Background
Womb + Potential Medical Miracle + 2004 = Christian Debate Over Preservation Of Life And Stem-Cell Research -- Jeremiah 1:4-10, Luke 13:10-17, Psalm 71:1-6 -- Carter Shelley -- Proper 16 | Ordinary Time 21 - C
Dear Fellow Preachers,
What If God Prayed For Us/u.s.? -- Amos 8:4-7, 1 Timothy 2:1-7 -- Carter Shelley -- Proper 20 | Ordinary Time 25 - C
Dear Fellow Preachers,
God's Investment Advice -- 1 Timothy 6:6-19 -- Carter Shelley -- Proper 21 | Ordinary Time 26 - C
Dear Fellow Preachers,
Of What Can We Be Certain? -- Habakkuk 1:1-4; 2:1-4 -- Carter Shelley -- Proper 26 | Ordinary Time 31 - C
Dear Fellow Preachers,
Is Peace Possible? -- Isaiah 2:2-5, Romans 13:11-14, Matthew 24:36-44, Psalm 122 -- Carter Shelley -- First Sunday of Advent - A
November 28, 2004Advent 1 / Cycle A Dear Fellow Preachers,

Preaching

The Immediate Word

The Comfort Zone -- Mark 1:1-8, 2 Peter 3:8-15a, Isaiah 40:1-11, Psalm 85:1-2, 8-13 -- Carter Shelley, Stephen P. McCutchan, George L. Murphy, Chris Ewing, Carlos Wilton, George Reed -- Second Sunday of Advent - B -- 2005
(Originally published December 4, 2005)
Marketing The Messiah -- John 1:6-8, 19-28, 1 Thessalonians 5:16-24, Isaiah 61:1-4, 8-11, Psalm 126 -- Chris Ewing, Stephen P. McCutchan, Carlos Wilton, George L. Murphy, Carter Shelley -- Third Sunday of Advent - B -- 2005
(Originally published December 11, 2005)
Stealing Christmas? -- Luke 1:26-38 -- Carlos Wilton, George Reed, Carter Shelley -- Fourth Sunday of Advent - B -- 2005
(Originally published December 18, 2005)
You Are What You Say: The Word Incarnate And Human Words -- Ephesians 3:1-12, John 1:1-18 -- Carter Shelley, George L. Murphy, Stan Purdum, Carlos Wilton, Larry Hard -- Epiphany of the Lord - B -- 2003
(Originally published for January 5, 2003)
The Two Towers And The Prince Of Peace And Light -- Luke 2:22-40, Galatians 4:4-7, Isaiah 61:10--62:3 -- George L. Murphy, Carlos Wilton, Carter Shelley, Charles Cammarata -- First Sunday after Christmas Day - B -- 2002
(Originally published for December 29, 2002)
Can We 'let Heaven And Nature Sing'? -- Luke 2:22-40, Galatians 4:4-7, Isaiah 61:10--62:3 -- George L. Murphy, Carter Shelley, Terry Cain -- First Sunday after Christmas Day - B -- 2002
(Originally published for January 1, 2006)
Anticipation Or The Best Christmas Present Ever -- Isaiah 61:1-4, 8-11, 1 Thessalonians 5:16-24, John 1:6-8, 19-28, Psalm 126 -- Carter Shelley -- Third Sunday of Advent - B
Dear Fellow Pastors,
Divine And Human Partiality: A Christian Dilemma -- Mark 7:24-37, Proverbs 22:1-2, 8-9, 22-23 -- Carter Shelley -- Proper 18 | Ordinary Time 23 - B
Dear Fellow Preacher,
The Hiddenness Of God And God's Human Witnesses -- Esther 7:1-6, 9-10; 9:20-22, Mark 9:38-50 -- Carter Shelley -- Proper 21 | Ordinary Time 26 - B
Dear Fellow Preacher,
Why Is It Called The "world" Series? -- Job 42:1-6, 10-17, Mark 10:46-52, Psalm 126 -- Carter Shelley -- Proper 25 | Ordinary Time 30 - B
Dear Fellow Preacher:
Is It Good To Be King? -- 2 Samuel 23:1-7, John 18:33-37 -- Carter Shelley -- Thanksgiving Day - B
Dear Fellow Preacher,
Is It Good To Be King? -- 2 Samuel 23:1-7, John 18:33-37 -- Carter Shelley -- Christ The King (Proper 29) - B
Dear Fellow Preacher,
Prepare Or Beware! -- Luke 3:7-18 -- Carter Shelley -- Third Sunday of Advent - C
Dear Fellow Preacher,
Interconnected And Interdependent For Good Or Ill -- Luke 4:14-21, 1 Corinthians 12:12-31a, Nehemiah 8:1-3, 5-6, 8-10, Psalm 19 -- Carter Shelley -- Epiphany 3 | Ordinary Time 3 - C
Dear Fellow Preacher,
The Transfiguration Of Jesus: A Prelude To The Passion -- Luke 9:28-30 (37-43) -- Carter Shelley -- Transfiguration Sunday - C
Watching Mel Gibson being interviewed by Diane Sawyer on ABC TV on February 16, you could not help b
What New Thing Is God Doing Now? -- John 12:1-8, Philippians 3:4b-14, Isaiah 43:16-21, Psalm 126 -- Carter Shelley -- Fifth Sunday in Lent - C
Some folks are excited and energized by learning something new or witnessing a creative development
Maternal Love: Human And Divine -- John 13:31-35, Revelation 21:1-6, Acts 11:1-18 -- Carter Shelley -- Fifth Sunday of Easter - C
We pause in the midst of ongoing war and war crimes to think this Sunday of maternal love.
The Mother -- Luke 1:39-45 (46-55) -- Carter Shelley -- Fourth Sunday of Advent - C
Dear Fellow Pastor,
One Nation Under God? Democracy And Faith In 2004 -- 2 Kings 5:1-14 -- Carter Shelley -- Proper 9 | Ordinary Time 14 - C
With the 4th of July taking place on a Sunday this year, it would be hard for any minister to conduc
Hosea: The Movie! -- Hosea 1:2-10 -- Carter Shelley -- Proper 12 | Ordinary Time 17 - C
Introduction and Background
Womb + Potential Medical Miracle + 2004 = Christian Debate Over Preservation Of Life And Stem-Cell Research -- Jeremiah 1:4-10, Luke 13:10-17, Psalm 71:1-6 -- Carter Shelley -- Proper 16 | Ordinary Time 21 - C
Dear Fellow Preachers,
What If God Prayed For Us/u.s.? -- Amos 8:4-7, 1 Timothy 2:1-7 -- Carter Shelley -- Proper 20 | Ordinary Time 25 - C
Dear Fellow Preachers,
God's Investment Advice -- 1 Timothy 6:6-19 -- Carter Shelley -- Proper 21 | Ordinary Time 26 - C
Dear Fellow Preachers,
Of What Can We Be Certain? -- Habakkuk 1:1-4; 2:1-4 -- Carter Shelley -- Proper 26 | Ordinary Time 31 - C
Dear Fellow Preachers,
Is Peace Possible? -- Isaiah 2:2-5, Romans 13:11-14, Matthew 24:36-44, Psalm 122 -- Carter Shelley -- First Sunday of Advent - A
November 28, 2004Advent 1 / Cycle A Dear Fellow Preachers,

Sermon

The Immediate Word

The Comfort Zone -- Mark 1:1-8, 2 Peter 3:8-15a, Isaiah 40:1-11, Psalm 85:1-2, 8-13 -- Carter Shelley, Stephen P. McCutchan, George L. Murphy, Chris Ewing, Carlos Wilton, George Reed -- Second Sunday of Advent - B -- 2005
(Originally published December 4, 2005)
Marketing The Messiah -- John 1:6-8, 19-28, 1 Thessalonians 5:16-24, Isaiah 61:1-4, 8-11, Psalm 126 -- Chris Ewing, Stephen P. McCutchan, Carlos Wilton, George L. Murphy, Carter Shelley -- Third Sunday of Advent - B -- 2005
(Originally published December 11, 2005)
Stealing Christmas? -- Luke 1:26-38 -- Carlos Wilton, George Reed, Carter Shelley -- Fourth Sunday of Advent - B -- 2005
(Originally published December 18, 2005)
You Are What You Say: The Word Incarnate And Human Words -- Ephesians 3:1-12, John 1:1-18 -- Carter Shelley, George L. Murphy, Stan Purdum, Carlos Wilton, Larry Hard -- Epiphany of the Lord - B -- 2003
(Originally published for January 5, 2003)
The Two Towers And The Prince Of Peace And Light -- Luke 2:22-40, Galatians 4:4-7, Isaiah 61:10--62:3 -- George L. Murphy, Carlos Wilton, Carter Shelley, Charles Cammarata -- First Sunday after Christmas Day - B -- 2002
(Originally published for December 29, 2002)
Can We 'let Heaven And Nature Sing'? -- Luke 2:22-40, Galatians 4:4-7, Isaiah 61:10--62:3 -- George L. Murphy, Carter Shelley, Terry Cain -- First Sunday after Christmas Day - B -- 2002
(Originally published for January 1, 2006)
Anticipation Or The Best Christmas Present Ever -- Isaiah 61:1-4, 8-11, 1 Thessalonians 5:16-24, John 1:6-8, 19-28, Psalm 126 -- Carter Shelley -- Third Sunday of Advent - B
Dear Fellow Pastors,
Divine And Human Partiality: A Christian Dilemma -- Mark 7:24-37, Proverbs 22:1-2, 8-9, 22-23 -- Carter Shelley -- Proper 18 | Ordinary Time 23 - B
Dear Fellow Preacher,
The Hiddenness Of God And God's Human Witnesses -- Esther 7:1-6, 9-10; 9:20-22, Mark 9:38-50 -- Carter Shelley -- Proper 21 | Ordinary Time 26 - B
Dear Fellow Preacher,
Why Is It Called The "world" Series? -- Job 42:1-6, 10-17, Mark 10:46-52, Psalm 126 -- Carter Shelley -- Proper 25 | Ordinary Time 30 - B
Dear Fellow Preacher:
Is It Good To Be King? -- 2 Samuel 23:1-7, John 18:33-37 -- Carter Shelley -- Thanksgiving Day - B
Dear Fellow Preacher,
Is It Good To Be King? -- 2 Samuel 23:1-7, John 18:33-37 -- Carter Shelley -- Christ The King (Proper 29) - B
Dear Fellow Preacher,
Prepare Or Beware! -- Luke 3:7-18 -- Carter Shelley -- Third Sunday of Advent - C
Dear Fellow Preacher,
Interconnected And Interdependent For Good Or Ill -- Luke 4:14-21, 1 Corinthians 12:12-31a, Nehemiah 8:1-3, 5-6, 8-10, Psalm 19 -- Carter Shelley -- Epiphany 3 | Ordinary Time 3 - C
Dear Fellow Preacher,
The Transfiguration Of Jesus: A Prelude To The Passion -- Luke 9:28-30 (37-43) -- Carter Shelley -- Transfiguration Sunday - C
Watching Mel Gibson being interviewed by Diane Sawyer on ABC TV on February 16, you could not help b
What New Thing Is God Doing Now? -- John 12:1-8, Philippians 3:4b-14, Isaiah 43:16-21, Psalm 126 -- Carter Shelley -- Fifth Sunday in Lent - C
Some folks are excited and energized by learning something new or witnessing a creative development
Maternal Love: Human And Divine -- John 13:31-35, Revelation 21:1-6, Acts 11:1-18 -- Carter Shelley -- Fifth Sunday of Easter - C
We pause in the midst of ongoing war and war crimes to think this Sunday of maternal love.
The Mother -- Luke 1:39-45 (46-55) -- Carter Shelley -- Fourth Sunday of Advent - C
Dear Fellow Pastor,
One Nation Under God? Democracy And Faith In 2004 -- 2 Kings 5:1-14 -- Carter Shelley -- Proper 9 | Ordinary Time 14 - C
With the 4th of July taking place on a Sunday this year, it would be hard for any minister to conduc
Hosea: The Movie! -- Hosea 1:2-10 -- Carter Shelley -- Proper 12 | Ordinary Time 17 - C
Introduction and Background
Womb + Potential Medical Miracle + 2004 = Christian Debate Over Preservation Of Life And Stem-Cell Research -- Jeremiah 1:4-10, Luke 13:10-17, Psalm 71:1-6 -- Carter Shelley -- Proper 16 | Ordinary Time 21 - C
Dear Fellow Preachers,
What If God Prayed For Us/u.s.? -- Amos 8:4-7, 1 Timothy 2:1-7 -- Carter Shelley -- Proper 20 | Ordinary Time 25 - C
Dear Fellow Preachers,
God's Investment Advice -- 1 Timothy 6:6-19 -- Carter Shelley -- Proper 21 | Ordinary Time 26 - C
Dear Fellow Preachers,
Of What Can We Be Certain? -- Habakkuk 1:1-4; 2:1-4 -- Carter Shelley -- Proper 26 | Ordinary Time 31 - C
Dear Fellow Preachers,
Is Peace Possible? -- Isaiah 2:2-5, Romans 13:11-14, Matthew 24:36-44, Psalm 122 -- Carter Shelley -- First Sunday of Advent - A
November 28, 2004Advent 1 / Cycle A Dear Fellow Preachers,

Worship

The Immediate Word

The Comfort Zone -- Mark 1:1-8, 2 Peter 3:8-15a, Isaiah 40:1-11, Psalm 85:1-2, 8-13 -- Carter Shelley, Stephen P. McCutchan, George L. Murphy, Chris Ewing, Carlos Wilton, George Reed -- Second Sunday of Advent - B -- 2005
(Originally published December 4, 2005)
Marketing The Messiah -- John 1:6-8, 19-28, 1 Thessalonians 5:16-24, Isaiah 61:1-4, 8-11, Psalm 126 -- Chris Ewing, Stephen P. McCutchan, Carlos Wilton, George L. Murphy, Carter Shelley -- Third Sunday of Advent - B -- 2005
(Originally published December 11, 2005)
Stealing Christmas? -- Luke 1:26-38 -- Carlos Wilton, George Reed, Carter Shelley -- Fourth Sunday of Advent - B -- 2005
(Originally published December 18, 2005)
You Are What You Say: The Word Incarnate And Human Words -- Ephesians 3:1-12, John 1:1-18 -- Carter Shelley, George L. Murphy, Stan Purdum, Carlos Wilton, Larry Hard -- Epiphany of the Lord - B -- 2003
(Originally published for January 5, 2003)
The Two Towers And The Prince Of Peace And Light -- Luke 2:22-40, Galatians 4:4-7, Isaiah 61:10--62:3 -- George L. Murphy, Carlos Wilton, Carter Shelley, Charles Cammarata -- First Sunday after Christmas Day - B -- 2002
(Originally published for December 29, 2002)
Can We 'let Heaven And Nature Sing'? -- Luke 2:22-40, Galatians 4:4-7, Isaiah 61:10--62:3 -- George L. Murphy, Carter Shelley, Terry Cain -- First Sunday after Christmas Day - B -- 2002
(Originally published for January 1, 2006)
Anticipation Or The Best Christmas Present Ever -- Isaiah 61:1-4, 8-11, 1 Thessalonians 5:16-24, John 1:6-8, 19-28, Psalm 126 -- Carter Shelley -- Third Sunday of Advent - B
Dear Fellow Pastors,
Divine And Human Partiality: A Christian Dilemma -- Mark 7:24-37, Proverbs 22:1-2, 8-9, 22-23 -- Carter Shelley -- Proper 18 | Ordinary Time 23 - B
Dear Fellow Preacher,
The Hiddenness Of God And God's Human Witnesses -- Esther 7:1-6, 9-10; 9:20-22, Mark 9:38-50 -- Carter Shelley -- Proper 21 | Ordinary Time 26 - B
Dear Fellow Preacher,
Why Is It Called The "world" Series? -- Job 42:1-6, 10-17, Mark 10:46-52, Psalm 126 -- Carter Shelley -- Proper 25 | Ordinary Time 30 - B
Dear Fellow Preacher:
Is It Good To Be King? -- 2 Samuel 23:1-7, John 18:33-37 -- Carter Shelley -- Thanksgiving Day - B
Dear Fellow Preacher,
Is It Good To Be King? -- 2 Samuel 23:1-7, John 18:33-37 -- Carter Shelley -- Christ The King (Proper 29) - B
Dear Fellow Preacher,
Prepare Or Beware! -- Luke 3:7-18 -- Carter Shelley -- Third Sunday of Advent - C
Dear Fellow Preacher,
Interconnected And Interdependent For Good Or Ill -- Luke 4:14-21, 1 Corinthians 12:12-31a, Nehemiah 8:1-3, 5-6, 8-10, Psalm 19 -- Carter Shelley -- Epiphany 3 | Ordinary Time 3 - C
Dear Fellow Preacher,
The Transfiguration Of Jesus: A Prelude To The Passion -- Luke 9:28-30 (37-43) -- Carter Shelley -- Transfiguration Sunday - C
Watching Mel Gibson being interviewed by Diane Sawyer on ABC TV on February 16, you could not help b
What New Thing Is God Doing Now? -- John 12:1-8, Philippians 3:4b-14, Isaiah 43:16-21, Psalm 126 -- Carter Shelley -- Fifth Sunday in Lent - C
Some folks are excited and energized by learning something new or witnessing a creative development
Maternal Love: Human And Divine -- John 13:31-35, Revelation 21:1-6, Acts 11:1-18 -- Carter Shelley -- Fifth Sunday of Easter - C
We pause in the midst of ongoing war and war crimes to think this Sunday of maternal love.
The Mother -- Luke 1:39-45 (46-55) -- Carter Shelley -- Fourth Sunday of Advent - C
Dear Fellow Pastor,
One Nation Under God? Democracy And Faith In 2004 -- 2 Kings 5:1-14 -- Carter Shelley -- Proper 9 | Ordinary Time 14 - C
With the 4th of July taking place on a Sunday this year, it would be hard for any minister to conduc
Hosea: The Movie! -- Hosea 1:2-10 -- Carter Shelley -- Proper 12 | Ordinary Time 17 - C
Introduction and Background
Womb + Potential Medical Miracle + 2004 = Christian Debate Over Preservation Of Life And Stem-Cell Research -- Jeremiah 1:4-10, Luke 13:10-17, Psalm 71:1-6 -- Carter Shelley -- Proper 16 | Ordinary Time 21 - C
Dear Fellow Preachers,
What If God Prayed For Us/u.s.? -- Amos 8:4-7, 1 Timothy 2:1-7 -- Carter Shelley -- Proper 20 | Ordinary Time 25 - C
Dear Fellow Preachers,
God's Investment Advice -- 1 Timothy 6:6-19 -- Carter Shelley -- Proper 21 | Ordinary Time 26 - C
Dear Fellow Preachers,
Of What Can We Be Certain? -- Habakkuk 1:1-4; 2:1-4 -- Carter Shelley -- Proper 26 | Ordinary Time 31 - C
Dear Fellow Preachers,
Is Peace Possible? -- Isaiah 2:2-5, Romans 13:11-14, Matthew 24:36-44, Psalm 122 -- Carter Shelley -- First Sunday of Advent - A
November 28, 2004Advent 1 / Cycle A Dear Fellow Preachers,
UPCOMING WEEKS
In addition to the lectionary resources there are thousands of non-lectionary, scripture based resources...
Advent 3
31 – Sermons
180+ – Illustrations / Stories
34 – Children's Sermons / Resources
22 – Worship Resources
30 – Commentary / Exegesis
2 – Pastor's Devotions
and more...
Advent 4
36 – Sermons
180+ – Illustrations / Stories
32 – Children's Sermons / Resources
19 – Worship Resources
31 – Commentary / Exegesis
3 – Pastor's Devotions
and more...
Christmas!
27 – Sermons
100+ – Illustrations / Stories
31 – Children's Sermons / Resources
20 – Worship Resources
33 – Commentary / Exegesis
3 – Pastor's Devotions
and more...
Plus thousands of non-lectionary, scripture based resources...

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SermonStudio

Derl G. Keefer
I read an old legend about a Christmas party that Satan and his pack of demons were having in hell. As the demonic guests were departing, one laughed and grinned and sarcastically said to Satan, “Merry Christmas your majesty!” At that, Satan replied with a growl, “Yes, keep it merry. If they ever get serious about it, we’ll all be in trouble.”

Today the focus is all about the Messiah and we need to be serious about it. It is the birth of the baby Jesus, the Messiah. It is the coming of God…the doctrine of incarnation. It is the intervention of God’s presence among humanity.
Stephen P. McCutchan
... He will judge the world with righteousness, and the peoples with his truth.
-- Psalm 96:13

Gregory L. Tolle
In those days a decree went out from Emperor Augustus that all the world should be registered. This was the first registration and was taken while Quirinius was governor of Syria. All went to their own towns to be registered. Joseph also went from the town of Nazareth in Galilee to Judea, to the city of David called Bethlehem, because he was descended from the house and family of David. He went to be registered with Mary, to whom he was engaged and who was expecting a child. While they were there, the time came for her to deliver her child.
James Evans
This psalm gives us the proper theme for a Christmas Day celebration: "Make a joyful noise to the Lord, all the earth; break forth into joyous song and sing praises" (v. 4).

Carlos Wilton
(Occurs in all three cycles of the lectionary; see Christmas Day, Cycle A; see also Easter 7, Cycle C, for an alternative approach.)

The lectionary includes two sets of readings for Christmas Day: those appointed for dawn services, and those appointed for services that take place later in the day. Psalm 97 is designated as one of these early-morning readings.

William Powell Tuck
Christmas is usually associated in our memory as a time of great joy. But for many it is also a time for cynicism. There are some people for whom Christmas is difficult. It is a time of struggle, depression, loneliness, and anxiety. There are more suicides during the holiday season than at any other time of the year. A comment by a woman in a nursing home indicates the feeling of some: "No one really cares. No one cares about me now.
Mark Wm. Radecke
Because Jesus was Mary's firstborn, there were four words that she and Joseph did not have to hear as they made the arduous trek from Nazareth to Bethlehem. Four words that make long journeys longer. Four words that strike terror in the hearts of parents of every time and every place. Four words from which even the youngest child seems to be able to craft a sentence: Are we there yet?

I am struck this year by the number of journeys the narratives of Jesus' birth and infancy entail:

* Mary and Joseph's journey from Nazareth to Bethlehem;
Julia Ross Strope
Gathering music
Christmas medley

(Light the Christ candle.)

(Invite adults, children, and youth ahead of time to bring a favorite gift for a one-sentence show and tell.)

Greeting
Leader: Merry Christmas!

People: Merry Christmas!

Leader: Settle your Christmas gifts on the pew beside you and find the space within your minds and hearts to sing, pray, listen, and talk.
James R. Wilson


Call To Worship
Leader: Come, let us celebrate, for Christ our savior has been born!
People: Is our Messiah, the promised one, among us this day?
Leader: Surely I say unto you, Christ the Lord is with us even as we speak.
People: Are even sinners such as we welcome in Christ's kingdom?
Leader: Praise to the Lord God Almighty, for in Christ we are all welcome!
All: Blessed be the name of the Lord!

Collect

The Village Shepherd

Janice B. Scott
After baby Jesus grew up to be a man, he got into terrible trouble, and wicked people killed him. But a good man called Joseph of Arimathea laid Jesus's body gently in his own grave, which he'd made ready for when he should die. After that the wicked people searched for Joseph of Arimathea, and so he ran away from Jerusalem carrying with him a special cup like this one, which contained some of Jesus's holy blood.

Special Occasion

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